Watamu

Why Visit?

Constant trade winds, a choice of sandbars, five kilometres of powder white sand beaches and large summer swells make Watamu a wonderful playground for kiters of all levels. A world heritage site, Watamu is also a protected area of outstanding natural beauty with safari game reserves as well as a stack of other activities and sights close by.

Wind and Weather

There are two trade wind seasons in Watamu: The Kaskazi blows December to April from the north east, averaging around 20 - 25 knots. Generally picking up from about 11am, it gives you time to get a paddle board session in beforehand. During the Kaskazi season, you'll use your 9m a lot and your 12 well into the evening. The Kuzi blows June to September from the south-east and this is the windiest time of year with winds averaging 25 knots, occasionally increasing to 30+ knots, so pop your 7m in your bag if coming out at this time. Being equatorial winds, both these systems are extremely constant and both blow cross and cross-onshore, providing safe riding conditions. The best swells come during the Kuzi season. Watamu has its fair share of great breaks to enjoy as the large Indian Ocean swells meet with the reef and the sand bars. The air temperature can reach 36°C / 97°F during the Kaskazi season. Kuzi time the air temperature is sometimes a little cooler but not by much. Water temperatures range from 25-30°C / 77-86°F throughout the year, so it's boardies/bikinis all year round!

Getting Around

No need to hire a car as there are loads of tuk-tuks that will take you to the different kitesurfing spots along the bay, for around 250KSH from anywhere in town. Bodabodas are motor bike taxis and they charge just around 50KSH. But be cautious of these – they have been known to be a bit reckless with their driving, and no helmets are provided. If you do want to hire a car for trips further afield, then you are looking at $20 - $30 per day.

Colleen Carroll enjoying the Turtle Bay Sand Bar.

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSH): £1 = 145KSH / €1 = 110KSH / $1 = 95KSH Dollars are accepted at hotels and restaurants, but for local bars and supermarkets you will want Kenyan Shillings. There are some cash points locally that accept foreign cards.

Getting There

There are some ways to reach us in Watamu. To fly to Malindi (our nearest airport), you will need to transit though Nairobi. Lots of major airlines such as Kenya Airways, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad & Qatar Airways all offer flights to Nairobi. Kenya Airways offer flights through to Malindi or you can use one of the other internal airlines such as Jambojet, Fly 540 or AirKenya. Taxis and collection from Malindi airport can then easily be arranged. Alternatively, and often cheaper, you can fly to Mombasa. This is then around a 2-hour scenic drive to us in Watamu.

Food and Drink

Watamu itself is a quirky fishing village with everything you need on your door step. There are two main supermarkets for your groceries and, as a fishing village, it's especially easy to get hold of fresh fish, lobster and crab at very little cost. Lots of options for eating out and, with a large Italian influence in the area, the pizza restaurants are excellent! There are some bars both local and expat and a tusker can be purchased for as little at 170 KSH!

SUPing with dolphins.

Nightlife

Watamu is often described as a quaint little fishing village with a drinking problem! There are some bars to keep you entertained as well as two nightclubs where you can dance until the early hours. A few nights not to be missed are Fridays at Ocean Sports, Saturday cocktail happy hour at Pili Pan and Wednesday at Papa Remo, where a beach party goes all night until sunrise. There are also some quieter spots where you can enjoy cocktails and catch the sunset.

No Wind?

World famous day or weekend safari trips leave Watamu daily, Tsavo National Park (Kenya’s largest game reserve) is only a 2-hour drive away. The Araboke Sakoke forest has a watering hole within a 15-minute drive from the centre of town where elephants regularly drink. Also, you'll find incredible diving and deep sea fishing, or you can visit local historical ruins — additional trips to the local turtle rehabilitation centre, snake park or sundowner dhow cruises on Mida creek. Tribe Watersports also provide SUP lessons and rental, so there is always something to keep you busy on a windless day.

Internet

All internet runs on 3g and 4g connections. Dongles for your laptop can be easily purchased and are approx. $10, you then top up on a pay as you go basis. A mobile sim card can be purchased for $1, and the mobile networks (Orange and Safaricom) are quick and the most effective way of using the Internet in Watamu. All hotels have WiFi and many of the private rental properties also.

Flat water heaven!

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Watamu from budget to luxury. Ocean Sports is a relaxed beach bar with affordable, comfortable rooms. Turtle Bay Resort based right on the beach offer a great all inclusive holiday experience. If you are looking for luxury then Medina Palms is the right option offering self-contained apartments, penthouses and beach villas. Not to be missed is Watamu Treehouse; a stunning yoga retreat house with incredible views – a truly unique option. There are also a number of stunning private houses that can be rented through Watamu Property Services and a number of smaller properties that are perfectly located for kitesurfers.

Getting inverted!

Going for the pass!

Stunning birds eye view of the stunning conditons Watamu has to offer.

Perfect for beginners too!

White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, what more do you want?

Colleen enjoying Jaccaranda with a few locals!

Plot 40 Sand bar.

Hitting the lip at Silversands!

Turtle Bay Sand Bar provides epic freestyle conditions!